Every effort

I was going to make every effort to get things done today.  Well, I had a slow start by mid-morning I managed to Empty the dishwasher, one load of laundry,, and finished yesterday’s entries and posted them to the blogs.

I was also going to get to the gym this morning and haven’t happened yet and at this rate not going to until later this afternoon or before I go to bed.

I wrote a letter to my pal in KY Kathy F since I haven’t heard from her in several weeks.  I haven’t a reply yet. I will work on organizing the whole pen pal files later.  This evening I was watching Summer H’s live video from NC.  She does it once in a while.  I am not sure I want to watch her do some letter writing while she is videotaping this but what can I do about.

I also made the last of the cookies.  I made six dozen.  The batches I made only did two dozen at time….I think it’s enough…I will put them in the trays probably Sunday morning.

Aw Damn I just found out that an actor I have watched for years in all the shows over most of my life passed away today.  He was Robert Walker Jr .  He came from a family of actors from the 40’s and 50’s.  The first time I think I saw him was on some of the westerns I would watch and then of course his iconic role on Star Trek.  As I said he has been on many of the TV shows I watched over the years.   There was another iconic Star trek staffer.   Her name is DC Fontana.

DC Fontana was born Dorothy Fontana but when she became a writer in Hollywood at time women didn’t get those jobs she changed it to DC Fontana.  She was one of the writers of the Hit show Star Trek and its subsequent sequels.

 I did get another Christmas card done this time was to my cousin Bill and his family.  He has an updated address and I went to check on Whitepages.com and they wanted me to subscribe and start paying!!! Fuck that shit.  After 20 free searches they start to charge.  Did I mention they could FTS?

I messed up on writing

I am hoping my previous entries made enough sense as I was trying to combine them for each of the days and it was not working out.  I made notes to myself so I would remember certain things by the end of the day when I wrote them.  Unfortunately I started to write them all a few days later.

Today I took off and made 2 dozen of the Almond Joy Cookies found on three different Pinterest sites.  The one I did was the simplest one.  I have to still make 3 more I believe.  I have three trays that arrived from Amazon the other day and I probably will need to get a couple of more.

I checked the ones I have in a container and they don’t seem like they are hardened.  I hope it doesn’t turn into mush.   I have been getting a lot of support from FB friends and allies.  Around 3 I made some more realizing I will need to get more coconut now.  The 2 dozen cookies I made around 3 seem a little more firm and the others feel like a big mound of mush.  Oh well.  I still have two more to do.  I think.

The cats came out from their nap zone around 4 and expected to be fed. Nope I waited until about 5 to feed them.  They spent the rest of the night doing their own stuff.  Sky eventually fell asleep at on the chair by the window and fell sleep.  Tiger eventually sat on the couch beside me and I started to use her as a fluffy pillow as I was watching TV.

I finally cooked my own dinner around 6.   I cooked the ground pork with onions and mushrooms and seasonings.  I have enough for tomorrow.  I had to throw out the ground beef.    I was afraid to use it and the pork seemed fine.

I had my session with Debra this evening.  She couldn’t do it tomorrow anyway and I had basically forgotten to tell her I was off the rest of this week.  I did mention it in the text I sent her in response.

I talked with Liz earlier this evening.  I had been texting her about the baking and called her.  We talked about that and the really sweet card her Granddaughter Jess and her family sent us.  We also discussed our ability to be organized about Christmas cards.

Feeling a little Sad today

Yesterday I mentioned it was my nephew Johns birthday right well today I learned he and his wife have separated.  I had been reading all the birthday greetings and wanted to see what his age was and in the relationship status it read: Separated.  I wont say I am devastated but I am saddened.  Unfortunately, the pictures and the postings early on made me uncomfortable (always showing they were drinking and that’s an issue in our family).  So I can only guess what the cause could have been.  I also realized none of them were posting regularly.  I am also a little annoyed that Ethel nor Diane were not compelled to give us a heads up.  I somehow think Sis knows and I wondering why she gave no indication.  I do remember Bob (my late brother) saying its not another persons job to deliver bad news.  IT should come directly from the person.  That’s great but what if they don’t talk? 

My coworker who is friends with Jen and Chris tells me they are in town for a quick visit.  Do you think maybe their mother/mother-in-law would give me a heads up?  No

Yesterday was certainly a long day.  I went to exercise class and then came home and got ready for work.  

I decided I would at the suggestion of a coworker to park at the York chapel Garage and it is too much to have to walk from Chapel street where I came out of the building and then walk the extra blocks  to the office and back (at the end of the day).    Especially if I have to leave early for appointments.

When I got to work I spent the morning scanning and doing a pretty good.  I am glad to be working the daily stuff only now.  I think I did better with it today (almost the same number of batches but the items inside were higher.)

I got to the infusion a little early but got in and was there until 3.  I fell asleep at one point but had nice conversations with the ladies that came in.  My next infusion is when I return from LV and it will be in the morning.

After that I headed back to the city to meet up with everyone for happy hour before the public hearing. Of course I was there at 4 nd the people at the restaurant had no idea what i was talking about.  I sent messages to Elia, Barbara and Leslie.  Elia answered later with “had an appointment” meet up later.  Eventually a Jean came and then ordered for us but this should have been done before anyone arrived.  Leslie and I also ordered dinner. 

She had wings and I had a cheeseburger with fried brussel sprouts and then when the food was ordered for the happy hour meeting I had some spinach time and two chips and wings and one hush puppy.  (i am doing this so i can remember to food track later).

We also talked about NCIS.  I think she signed up for the NCIS fan page on FB.  Waiting for admittance.  We talked about the show.  I have a feeling she is going to be like the rest of the fans that I speak about in my other blog.

We walked up to city hall and met up with Barbara.  She sent us on up and we found our seat with Elia and many others.  Not before I ran into some old friends who were key leaders before retirement.

We were there until 8 (it took forever to get to the rest of the speakers) at first we (Leslie nd I) believed that University was doing what they were supposed to do.  We would find out today that they were made aware they were wrong and they would change their data. 

As I mentioned we left around 8 and headed back to our cars and headed home.  I relaxed a bit and fed the kitties and then went to bed.

I talked with Debra today about my nephew’s separation.  She said the message was a kind and supportive but not to be too hurt that he doesn’t respond in the manner I am expecting.  

When I got home tonight I fed the cats ate something light.  Started making the cranberry sauce.  Not sure they came out great but they did the trick.  I made the breads.  They looked okay.  I just hope the way I mixed it was right.  I put them on a big tray with lace doily and put that stupid saran wrap (that never works) on it and now I am going to bed.

It turned out to be a good day

Once my headache was gone thanks to some tylenol from my friend Annie.  The day got better.  As I said earlier got to scanning and DG finished or at least started the sorting of the mail.  LUckily or hopefully she will have something else to do come Monday because there is no mail delivery and that usually could mean that even the healthlogic is delayed a day (I am thinking it will be moved back a day or so ( or is it up?).

Tonight was the Yale vs Dartmouth game and also employee night.  Several of my colleagues were all excited because there was going to be food and apparently fun.  I chose not to go for  a few reasons.  I have things to do, and my last time I went to a football game for Yale I was bored out of my mind.

The city seem brimming with energy.  People walking, and driving and going to the various restaurants, bars and activity in the city.  I was surmising that they also were also going to the game tonight.  I even ran into my colleague Tevis and his children who were going to an art show that his son participated on.  

I had a good session with Debra.  I read this weeks entries to her.  We talked about the upcoming holidays and family stuff.

Once the shuttle came we seemed to hit traffic even at 6 but then I just remembered now that it is Columbus Day weekend and people are probably going out to enjoy their long weekend.  Yale doesn’t get (unless the workers are smart enough to put in for it) the day off.  It would seem many did as a number of people were either off or left early for the weekend yesterday.

When I got home my plan was to either go to the gym or  to the DEmocratic headquarters to work but I got a message  from Brandon (after i sent him one) not to come.  So I decided to go to the store.  I left here around 8 but I don’t know what the hell I was doing because I didn’t get back here until after 10.  I started with the bottle return (that was a pain) and then went shopping. 

When I got home I put everything away and I was going to start preparing for the cheesecakes and I did sort of.  I put the cream cheese out to come to room temperature and  the ingredients out but then got tired.  I even made attempt to get up at 3 to start it and couldn’t do it.  

Long and short at 7 this morning I started and have done one already.   Between 8 and 9 I did the second one and I am not sure I got it mixed well but its done.  I am still going slow.  I will finish cleaning up the kitchen shortly.  Now the chilly recipe is next on the cooking to do list.  I got most of the ingredients for that except the peppers.

I got to see neighbor tony and uno this morning.  I was in my jammies.   I had mixed feelings about this because i wasn’t sure if he was uncomfortable with the situation.  I was a little nervous especially when I saw neighbor donny driving away.   I got to hold uno for a bit..  Something kicked in and told me I should let them get back on their walk home.  

I ended up missing the group class this morning and I am pretty sure Alex will say something later.   I just felt it was important to get those cakes made. 

Later this afternoon after the gym I will be heading over to Headquarters for a few hours.  I am not sure what will be done first.  I will do whatever  I just have to be sure to get back here before the masses to drop off the cakes.

.

Running Behind Schedule?

I had these big plans to be up at dawn get Vlad and Preston all taken care until this afternoon and then head back home to get things done there.   Well I stayed in bed until 6 (I didn’t sleep well) then got the boys taken care of. I almost had anxious moments when Vlad walked out into the outer hallway of the apartment I had to grab him and put him back inside.  He wasn’t pleased but I made sure i made it up to him when I got back from walking Preston.  I did manage to feed the menagerie.

The sun was pretty much risen when I got to the house.  I stopped at DD for some coffee and came here. The kitties were waiting for me on the stairs and came to me when I walked in.

I started working on the cheesecake (setting up the cream cheese ) and then I fed them.  They were very vocal at that point.  I got them fed and then started looking at the ingredients and realized I forgot the lemon.  I ran to the grocery store and got the lemon.

When I got home dove into making the cheesecake.  I think it came out well  and I put saran wrap instead of the actual lid so it wouldn’t get mushed.  It did a little anyway but not as bad.  I will just have to get the cones tomorrow and put them on at Dave’s house.

Now all I have to do is finish the gifts for the kids.  Liz tells me all six of them will be there as well as 12 adults.  She was parting her wisdom of how to act with them (no gushing over the cats).  She is acting like I am a social deviant.  I am not sure I want to slap her or tell her off.  Either way I risk damaging the relationship and I don’t want that.  She suggested I also get a card or two for Mike Jr and Nelson 3.  Its their birthdays. I may not stay long as this cough is freaking annoying me.

I also have some laundry to do as well or at least finish what I started yesterday.  I also am going to do the sheets so that Livia doesn’t have to make the bed this week.  Since I won’t be sleeping in the bed.

Tonight will be with the kitty and the dog and anything good on TV (the LOTR movies will be on).  May get something from a restaurant before heading back to the house.

Well to the laundry....

It's snowing

It came sometime after sundown. My sister called me to see what I wanted earlier today but she was sleeping. She was noticing she was doing a lot of sleeping and I told her there is nothing wrong with that.

I tried to take a picture of the snow from the back room but it came out dark (no flakes showing in the outside light). I checked a time or two and it seemed to subside then I checked in my familiar place. It is the street lamp on New Haven avenue at the end of our street. You can always tell if its raining or snowing in the light.

Today was a normal Sunday. I relaxed and waited for the laptop to finish its update (it hasn't of this writing). I watched TV for sometime and then around 11 I decided I would do the shopping as I kept hearing the news about the "snow event". The sky was turning a light sunny gray and getting cold to boot.

My first stop to get gas but the second was to Wal*Mart. Yes Wal*Mart. I got most of my groceries and cleaning supplies there. I have kept joking to everyone who knows me that if you hear thunder that's Mom expressing her displeasure at my decision to go there. Anyone who knows me and her knows she wasn't a fan of Wal*Mart and their labor practices. I did have to go to Stop and shop for fruit, meat, and salads. but I think I would have spent the exact amount I did at Wal*Mart at Shop Rite or Stop and shop well maybe not today...it would have been more.

After shopping I came home emptied out the car and made lunch and watched TV until it was time for me to go to Nursing home for bingo.

Bingo went well we had just about 18 residents and most if not all one. Actually the same few people won today. They did have to be reminded that they needed to not keep talking. I was glad Bob was there. We did get to catch up with each other. Our holiday plans, work, etc.

It was nearly 3:30 or so when I got home. I was really tired and I still had to do the cheese cake. I decided to put PBS on (most are still doing their end of year fundraising and CPTV has been airing the Downton Abbey marathon that is just finishing up with the last ep). I took a brief nap.

At some point I started getting up and getting things ready for the cheesecake. It looks good and a little mushed. It looked very well mixed this time. i think I should have just wrapped the top up with Aluminum foil. The lid that went with it still didn't close it over it fully. All that needs to be done is to clean up the kitchen. I still have to finish emptying the dishwasher and putting the dishes in the dishwasher.

The kitties have been sleeping mostly. A few times Sky made it known he wanted to go into the cellar on more than one occasion. I did let him down when I had to put the equipment I was using away. I think Tiger spent most of the afternoon until about an hour ago in my old bedroom. I had gone in there to do some things with the computer. I think they are waiting for me to fill up their kibble.

Oh they will have a new water bowl very soon. Yesterday i received a brand new Water fountain for the kitties from their Uncle Jim. It is completely metallic and I am interested in seeing what their reaction is.

I still have to wrap the Yankee swap gift for tomorrow's meeting. It is a UCONN throw that I am hoping T will like. I also got three little tree ornaments for three of my great neices and nephews. each has the name of the ones I got. I still have more to do.

I almost forgot that I had laundry to do for work. I may need to get more coffee so I can do the wrapping and cleaning the kitchen.

• Mood

  drained

• Location

  United States, connecticut, Milford

• Tags (change):

  activities, grocery shopping, house cleaning, nursing home, shopping, sunday, volunteering, weather, weekend

Disappointed

Well the cheesecake was delivered and I waited anxiously for the bake sale to start.  I took it out of the freezer before I left around 7 and put it in the cooler carrier that I left in the car for the last 11 plus days.  It did the trick for what I needed.  I eventually got it to the drop off point and just as I was taking it out of the cooler the entire cake (crust and all) nearly fell on the floor.  Luckily it fell back into place with little effort.  HR Barbara did contact me to get the name of the cake.  However, By the end of the day I know it wasn’t bought.  :sad:  One of my co-workers says it was priced too high for the bake sale.

I spent the day working on the mail from yesterday and today and just barely touched the refunds. I know what I am going to be doing tomorrow.  At least I left knowing I managed to do a lot of stuff.

My session with Debra went by quickly.  We talked about the events of the last week and we discussed work, health,  and the holidays.  We will have a phone session next week since i have an infusion that day and I don’t think I will be up to going to the session.

I am in the mood to do very much so I think I will go to bed.

I was dragging yesterday

I was so tired yesterday from the previous night’s activities (dinner and theater, coming home late) and of course waking up earlier than normal.  I didn’t post much but i did manage to get check in but not do any writing actually that’s not true I did update my health blog.  I didn’t even text my sis or brother. A point Jim made last night via text.

I did hear from Liz yesterday.  She wanted to make sure I had a great time Sunday night.  I told her i did and that I enjoyed being with them all.  Now I just have to find something for her for Christmas.  She was wistful about a few things as well.    I found out later this afternoon she had called because she was in the “neighborhood” and wanted to stop by and say hi.  I called her back before leaving for home but she was playing cards with Chris.

I saw my health coach yesterday and still managed to lose 1 lb of weight.  We will meet  on the 14th instead of a week from Monday.  I am hoping I have lost more and do better with the sweets and the cheese.  

Work was good busy but good. I was caught up with all of last weeks work by yesterday afternoon.  I got more before I left for home.  I spent the afternoon opening mail when I wasn’t at the Committee meeting that was not organized.  

I originally planned on getting the ingredients for the cheesecake after work but decided I could do it on the way home from the Eye Doctor tomorrow.  I know I have been procrastinating but it really isn’t that hard to do.  It will take an hour and I should be home fairly early.  

Tonight I had some more of the Rotisserie chicken and having some potatoes with it.  Actually as i am writing this its in the micro.  I was trying to plan out my dinner to best sort through the calories (since I have already gone over on so many levels).

There is another snow event (sleet wise) coming through the state tonight its raining right now but we may get some snow.  When it snowed yesterday it was already gone from Woodmont but there was evidence all along the shoreline in West Haven yesterday.  I may have to pull out the old boots from the cellar.

On that night since NCIS is over I am going to go to bed....

It Looks LIke

Well it looks like Sis and I are going to do some interesting baking this weekend for the bake and plant sale on Sunday. One was almost like apple tarts and the other a Canoli cake and if either of those do not work we will use the frozen cookie as back up. So we made plans for her to come here so we can look over among other things recipes and put a grocery list together. The recipes may be fun but I hope not that overwhelming. I don’t want to turn anyone off there who will be buying it either.

Oh “among other things”? Include going over the bills, showing me how to turn on the furnace (not from the thermostat), how to download from the SIMS card that is in the cell phone, and fill out the paperwork from the cable company to change the names on the accounts. 

I tried to download the sim card t to the tower/hard drive and it didn’t work. Now I am thinking I was supposed to click on the app to back up and then move it to the laptop. I was all set to go to AT&T store and ask for help but Liz wants to take a look at it first. I am not sure I feel good about that.

The cats have been acting skittish this evening. Sky was running around and nearly slid a few times. I thought for sure he hurt himself. He is at the foot of the bed right now. Tiger is somewhere downstairs. I think. She seems to be less skittish now. She spent time downstairs in the cellar a long time after I called her. I was hoping if it got cooler last  shewould come upstairs and cuddle.

I was going to stay up late and do the book work and write some letters but it didn't work I was to tired. I slept on and off all night and also got up early with a headache.

RIP Mom

On Saturday August 23, 2014 mother ended her battle with Pancreatic Cancer.  She is no longer in Pain. She was surrounded by her family and care givers.  She was 87 years old.  Services will be Wednesday and Thursday.  God Bless you Mom.

Bingo, Pie Baking, Lost Family Members

Hey everyone hope all is well. It’s been a long day here and so I won’t be on long. Last night had a great time but left my cell phone in Roberta’s car last night so I was lost with out it until this evening. I can honestly say I am now into a new card game. It’s the Military Whist Card game. It was a lot of fun and I did pretty well my first time playing. Some took it way too seriously and others were just so fun with it. There were snacks and cake and coffee during the three hour game. Needless to say I part took in that as well. Ended up not feeling well and spending time in the bathroom after the event. It was quite embarrassing. We were back home by 11 and I watched TV and shortly after midnight went to bed.




This morning I stayed in bed until maybe 8. I wanted to be up early so I could get to the folk mass at St Mary’s. That was not “in the cards”. I got ready for Bingo and made a quick stop for breakfast and Dunkin Doughnuts. I had their smoked house egg and cheese sandwich (with some type of sausage). It was good but not something I would order again anytime soon (one word: salt).



When I arrived at the nursing home there was only one resident and that was Ken. I got the coffee going and I ate my breakfast. Eventually more people came and I began the announcements. Ryan came and made him do the calling. We had a lot of fun. We played until almost 11:15. Afterwards I chatted with Claudia H who was working the front desk today.



It was nearly 12 when I headed to Telka’s. a small number of people were there already and we were just getting started. I had the a-peeling job of preparing the apples. Eventually more girls came and over the next 2 hours the pies were ready to be baked. All in all we made 22 pies. The discussions were pretty interesting. Movies we saw the holiday activities that were being planned. In the end we got to eat one of the pies. We were basically cleaned up by 3. I took one of the girls home and headed back to the house by 3:30.



Mom was upstairs puttering around. She wrote out some Thanksgiving cards just because. She had been doing some cooking. She did tell me that my darling cousin Sharon lost her father-in-law the other night. We had gotten word earlier in the week that he had cancer and sadly he succumbed with his family around him. I will pick up a card tomorrow and send it off. I did post hugs to her on her Facebook page a few moments ago.



I went to the 4:30 mass at St Mary’s. It seemed to go pretty fast but I also was fighting a headache. It’s gone now but it was distracting. After Mass I got some gas and then stopped by Roberta’s house to pick up the cell phone. It was in her car under some bags. I also had to stop at the store to pick up some “supplies”.



It was nearly six when I got home. We had spare ribs and potatoes and asparagus and watched our Sunday night PBS stuff. After dinner I fell asleep watching TV in the spare room. I haven’t done much of anything else either.



I did pick out the clothes I am wearing tomorrow to work. I hope they will be good enough for our visitors tomorrow. I am going to drive in tomorrow so that I can get back here in time to take Mom to her Bridges Meeting and for me to get ready for the Inauguration. Let’s just say its going to be another long night.



That being said I am going to say good night. I hope all of you are well and if not know I will send hugs and prayers to you as I go to sleep.

Active Week

The last few days have been busy between work, the pie baking at Hopkins; and the retirement party Thursday I haven’t slept regularly. Mom gets concerned that I don’t get enough sleep or I get up early.




Work is fine we are preparing for the visit from NEMG on Monday I spent a few hours today (Saturday) at the office working on readdress mail and getting rid of it all. Most of it was old so it got dumped. Friday was my 20th anniversary as a full time employee at Yale. It was also a pre-birthday Celebration for CD as her birthday is on Thanksgiving and we wouldn’t be there. The retirement party was wonderful Carol was truly touched and there were at least 45 people there. The food was delicious and bountiful. Carol received a beautiful necklace.



Mom is okay. She is currently cooking right now and will be getting ready for 5:30 mass. She had meetings this week and got her hair cut. It really looks nice. She also attended Carol’s retirement party with me. The beginning of the week was a little disconcerting. She was having stomach problems again and she forgot that I was doing the Pie in the sky baking on Tuesday.



Bob and Ethel are doing okay. The kids are doing well also. Diane celebrated her birthday last week in NY with friends and family. She did come home for a visit but wasn’t able to come see us. She is currently in Puerto Rico with her beau. We will see them on Thanksgiving next week.



We received a call from Jim yesterday informing us that his house was robbed! He normally locks the door when he leaves but apparently not this time. His TV, computer and something that belonged to Jamie was taken. He did report it to the cops. I am thinking about Christmas Gifts for them now. They will be up sometime before we have dinner on Thursday. They are staying until Sunday.



Liz and Nelson are fine. Liz is at a retreat in upstate Connecticut. She will be back Sunday night. Nelson has his own activities. They will be babysitting Nelson the 3rd on Monday. Liz will hopefully get back to me on info about taking the kids to Disney on Ice in January. Telka is asking for money ASAP. They will be spending the holiday at Cheryl’s this year as in past years.



Okay Mike and Roberta will be here shortly and I still have a few more things to do before they arrive and we leave for the card game..

My Plans for the Weeknd

I was just sitting here thinking about what I want to do this weekend. I looked over my appointment book and calendar and see that I have no major plans outside of the house except my normal Sunday activities.




I am planning on sleeping in today (Saturday). I haven’t done that in quite some time. Depending on when I get off this computer now will sleep past 8. My “To-Do List” is going to be simple:



1. Laundry

2. Make bed

3. Throw away old papers.

4. Vacuum room

5. Go to the store with Mom if she is going (rather doubt it since she has been there a few times this week).

6. Watch NCIS tonight. There is an off night episode on CBS tonight.


7. See if I can pay some bills

8. Get rid of some emails that are piling up (or at least move them to the various files I have)



Sunday I don’t have any major plans either. (This list will probably be in tomorrow’s entry as well)



1. Bingo

2. Church

3. Buy bus pass

4. write in Blogs

5. update files

6. Attempt long over due newsletter for groups and blogs.

7. See Liz and Nelson if they are feeling up to it (they have been sick this week),





Next week will be very full. Monday I have my session with Debra. On Tuesday is the first of two Pie in the Sky baking activities for the club. I will be going to Hopkins School to meet up with the club and the teacher and students to help out with the annual Pie in the sky. The second one is next Sunday from 12-4. That will be at Telka’s and is hugely popular. If you look at the archives of the blog you will find a mention of them over the years. Thursday Mom and I will be attending a co-workers retirement party in West Haven at Lorenzo’s Restaurant. I am really looking forward to this because I just love Carol and will be seeing many people I haven’t seen in a long time. Mom will be there because she worked with Carol when she worked at OPS part time. It will be fun. Saturday is the Military Whisp card game at Debra M’s synagogue. She invited me last time we were together. I haven’t been in a synagogue before do any of you have advice or tips for me?



Okay think I will try and move some emails around before I fall asleep. Thanks for stopping by…

Pies and Work

Well hello everyone. It is just about 8 Saturday nigh and I am so tired. I got up early and got ready for the day. As the title of the entry says today was the MYWC Pie in the Sky project with Hopkins School. I left a little after 8 and drove to the school with no problem.

The school is on hills on Forest Road. The campus is beautiful the buildings were massive. They have a beautiful view of New Haven from where they are. I couldn’t help but feel they are so close to town but have a world of their own. The surrounding homes were beautiful and I would have loved to see how far forest road would go. I probably still could.

I met the other students from all over the new haven area (and some from Fairfield county as well) some of the students (there were boys there too) were sophomores and juniors. Their teacher was Mrs. Lane. She was a former Research tech at Yale and now a science teacher at Hopkins. Roberta was there and her leg bothering her. She says she is going to have surgery on it. I was only able to stay until 10. I wanted to be at work by 10:30. I thought I would have a lot of time to get there before the big Game this afternoon. I was really wrong.

The parking and traffic started early especially on the Derby Avenue and Route 34 area. It wasn’t long but the crowds were going to the tailgating and early seats. As I got closer to the office the parking lots were filling up as well. The garages were filled too. People parking on the streets were getting tagged as well.

I got to work by quarter of 11 and found others to be there too. Many from my team were there as well. I could feel my body getting tired (I was not feeling that well either). It was that time for Scarlet’s visit. I worked until 2 and then a brief visit with Miss Annie and then I came home.

When I got home Mom was out shopping. I watched TV for a bit and then had something to eat. It was nearly 3 I think. When Mom finally did come home she reminded me she was going out to dinner with her friend Martha. She got home just before 8.

Sadly a cousin of Mom’s passed away yesterday. We knew her as Sis. She was a hairdresser in town for many years. She has been living in Stratford for a long time. At least I think she has. The wake is Monday and the Funeral Tuesday. Mom will be going to both.

Tomorrow Dave and I will be heading to Stamford for their annual Thanksgiving Parade. It starts at 12 noon but they will be shutting down the streets around 10. He called me just about 8 and told me that we will need to leave by quarter of 9 from his place so that we can stop and have breakfast at McDonalds.

A lot has happened

Monday November 2: I got up bright an early and got ready for work and got the car over to the garage all by 7. Happily it was someone else there instead of the guy from yesterday. I explained to the guy what happened and I think he understood. The only thing is the thermostat didn’t do anything on the way over. He said he would have Frank call me. The car was fixed later that day.

Election Day 2009: Was a royal disappointment for us in Milford. The Republican incumbent for mayor retained his job and a number of our candidates lost their seats and some never made it. It was a sad day indeed.

Work has been overall stressful. I had been doing OT trying to get the office back into shape. Last Saturday both Gayle and I worked on it and now it is beautiful. More tasks have been added (collection letters) and after a few days Gayle doesn’t want to have any of us (me especially) do it. Considering we have so much filing and scanning to be done. There have been a lot of budget concerns all over the place. So the management staff has been pulled every which way. When I finish the mail which has been daily I have been helping out with the scanning. Going in on Saturdays etc and staying until 6 most nights unless I have appointments.

The new Kronos/My Time payroll system went into effect this week. I did pretty well with it so far despite the no training. I never had the time to go to the classes. They were always held outside of the office in another building.

Over the last couple of weeks several co workers and their families have had some form of the flu (both regular and the swine). I hope this passes soon because I sure do not want to bring it home to Mom.

Despite the stress level we have managed to continue to meet our goals that have been set by the Administration as far as AR are concerned. As I said our immediate area has been behind in the scanning.

Nationally it was a sad week when a gunman shot twelve people including himself at Fort Hood in Killeen Texas. The gunman survived and is currently in the hospital recovering. There was a memorial Service held earlier this week that happened shortly after the Election Day. According to the reports the gunman who had been a medic and helping people get ready for deployment was unhappy about going to Iraq as well.

Volunteering is going okay. Bingo remains to be enjoyable for the residents. I was on my own last week as Natalie was doing a breakfast sandwich fundraiser for their company Christmas party.

The woman’s club’s activities are doing pretty well. Although I was unable to attend the Veteran’s Day service at the nursing home it was most successful. Many of the girls club members participated and the residents who were veterans appreciated it. The next big event is the Pie in the Sky baking which will take place at Hopkins School in New Haven next Saturday. This will be the first time we have done it with another organization so it should be very interesting. This year we are even taking orders for the pies.

The Democratic Party is licking its wounds from the trouncing we received in the municipal election 2 weeks ago. Each district will be discussing what happened in their perspective district meetings. Ours will take place on the 18th at our home. Our next big goal will be the Governors Race in 2010. As it is our current Governor Jodi Rell has opted to not run for reelection.

Mom is doing pretty well. Her cough/cold has subsided after another antibiotic was given to her. She has been doing her meetings, reports, and getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday already.

Bob and Ethel are keeping busy with their schedules and I just found out they will be joining us for the Thanksgiving dinner. The children will be all over the place. Diane is currently in the Carolinas on the South Pacific National Tour. John is preparing for Special Forces. I keep in touch with him via Facebook. I also keep tabs on their brother Rob through facebook as well. He doesn’t post to that very often either.

Jim and the kids will be here for Thanksgiving as well. They will be here the entire weekend and Mom has planned a few activities such as visiting the Knights of Columbus Museum. We have a family connection to it. My Dad’s uncle or Great Uncle or Cousin is one of the Founding Fathers Knights of Columbus . We hope to also go to NYC and go to the Rock and Roll Museum.

Liz and Nelson and their families are doing okay. Liz just got over another bout of Bronchitis. She was with the grandkids on Veteran’s Day and had a ball. They are also getting read for Nelson Jr & Lisa’s wedding next month. It’s actually a month from yesterday. I still have to get a gift and perhaps look at another dress for the wedding.

Tomorrow afternoon I am going to the movies and dinner with my friend Dave. Last week we attended the Yale VS Brown football game. It was different. Yale also lost by 13 points. We had dinner at popular restaurant (Pepe’s) in the Wooster Square section of New Haven. It was fun.

Well that’s about all the news I have for now. I have a few things to do before I have dinner tonight so I will chat with you later.

Pie in the Sky

It is almost 8:30 Sunday night and I am exhausted. First I did my bingo with “my team”. I was the first to arrive and started the coffee. After a while the girls came and they started getting everyone. I had made the announcement so the residents were starting to come down anyway.

The Bingo session went well. I started the games and the girls finished them. As soon as it was done we headed to Telka’s.

The girls had to do some things first and came later. I arrived just as Donna K and her Mom were arriving. Telka greeted us at the door. Roberta was near by. I was pleasantly surprised because I expected her to be with family today. Roberta had the days mixed up.

We got started on the whole process. Telka gave us instructions and then the assembly line began. The 120 lbs of apples were washed and then we started the peeling and coring while the toehrs got the other ingredients done. The next several hours there was fun, laughter, food, and stories. We even had our pictures taken and we were featured on local cablevision 12 news. NO I wasn’t on TV but it was fun to watch. We made 35 to 44 pies. We even got to have some of the pies because we even took some orders.

Roberta and I left Telka after the second clean up (we had been cleaned up when the media arrived) there were still several pies to be baked. It was nearly four when we got to Roberta’s house. I stayed for a short visit because the sun was setting and all I had were my sunglasses. I had left my regular glasses at home.

When I arrived home Mom was out shopping. I wasn’t sure where she was at first. I looked around for a note but there was none. Only a candle she had left going. I decided to sit down and watch TV or actually let the TV watch me. It is Sunday so most of it was whatever was on the PBS stations. I did watch the News on Cablevision 12 but the segment didn’t go on until 5:18. Mom arrived home shortly after that.

Over the last several hours I spent time watching TV, emptying out the dryer, moving the roll away bed down to the blue room, and writing up my weekly newsletter for the lists. As soon as I am done with that I am going to bed. This week will be a very busy week.

I think I am going to be sorry

I had received a weird phone call around midnight today. The person calling identified themselves as a police officer (after asking them twice) and asked to talk to my son and I told them I don’t have a son and what is this in reference and they wanted to talk to him about harassing phone calls. Then they asked to talk to my boyfriend. Again I told him I don’t have one. Now they would have asked for the guy’s last name or wouldn’t they have at least known who they were calling?

Now I am wondering if they will continue to call me and do the harassing phone calls. You see I have lost my license and the id holder (again). I called Stop and Shop last night to see if anyone picked it up or reported it to the customer service. I am wondering if I am setting myself up for problems. I hope not.

Okay let’s talk about the last few days. Mom had her surgery on Thursday despite the fact it had a late start it went very well she in Recovery by 3. The Doctor called just about then and told me she did well. After work I walked to the hospital from the office it was a lot longer walk than I thought. I was with her for about 20 minutes before she went to Radiology and then to her room.

As she was getting ready to leave for Radiology I left the hospital and walked back to the car. It was after 5. I drove to Bob and Ethel’s. Liz and Nelson were there and a few other people.

It was the worst two hours of my life. I was exhausted and cranky and so was Liz and Bob was just plain rude. He dropped the ziti on to the ground when his sleeve got caught on the door. I offered to help. Liz was being obnoxious and telling me I have too high expectations of Dave. When I told her he made fun of Jane.

We called Mom to see how she was doing and she didn’t have her clothes yet. Liz is such a control freak sometimes that she misunderstood some things that Mom had said. One was about the glasses (she couldn’t find them) and the other was about the cake. When I told her I was making it she made some dismissive comment about “it’s already done for you”. Screw you bitch! She was eating her words today though. Nelson asked me if I was cooking. I was about to hit him over the head but Liz was already bitching at him for things he said to her.

It was quarter of eight when I got home that night. I was furious. I did my little yelling session in the house. I don’t know if anyone could hear me outside the house but I was I was very angry at the way Liz and Bob spoke to me. I did it through the night anyway.

A short time after that I called Mom to find out what card I was to use for shopping for the VCR tapes. It was too late to go then but I had found out that Radio Shack did have them.

After I called Mom and I got online and checked emails and then watched TV and tried to go to bed but I was so wired that I couldn’t for a while.

Friday I got up early and did some stuff before going to work. I got to work a little late but managed to get a lot done. Patti was off for a long weekend so I made sure I behaved.

There was some question as to whether or not Mom was coming home that day or not. She panicked because she wanted to be here to help with the cake. It turned out that she would be coming home. After a few moments of “telephone” it was resolved and I went back to work and Mom got ready to come home.

It was nearly 4 when I called home and Mom answered. Liz was cleaning a pan and making Jell-O. Mom explained checked out took a long time and they were not home long. Mom told me I would be getting dinner from Liz later on.

It was 4:30 when I got home. Mom was in the back room and getting tired and not feeling well. I got ready to go to Liz’s (and even that was contentious because I wanted to call and tell her I was on my way) Mom said just go.

On my way to Liz’s I stopped at Radio Shack to pick up the blank videos and then went to her house. I was under the impression I was staying but I was mistaken. I am not sure it was because she was still pissed at me and my attitude the night before. Besides Nelson and Junior were having cooking class.

I took the stuff (Lobster rolls and fruit) and thanked her and after a visit with neighbors I left for the store to get some eggs. I was home by 6. I ate while Mom slept upstairs.

I didn’t do very much Friday night. I was exhausted and tired and hot. Mom slept through the entire night.

Yesterday I did some laundry and finally had to get Mom up so we could do the cake. I did the cake pretty well. I asked Mom to help with the frosting while I got ready for the party.

The VNA came to take info and check on Mom and she stayed for about an hour. The girl was very nice.

I left here for the party a little after 12. I was the first one to arrive at Telka’s and then after others arrived. I think there were 10 or 15 today. Which I think is rude. When you say you are attending you show up on time. If you have the times from 12-9 then you show up when it is supposed to start. Unless you had a prior commitment that kept you from attending these people should have been there. I realize what I am saying is confusing because it sounds a little confusing to me because I am getting tired. But I think you understand where I am going with it.
The party was nice. I met the newest addition to the diFate/Vecchito Family and her classmates, and friends. It started breaking up around 5. I was home by 5:30.

Liz was here when I arrived she had brought a book for Mom to read and I gloated when I told them both that the cake was wonderful. That people enjoyed it. So there was plenty for tomorrow.

Mom looked more rested than when I saw her earlier in the day. She thinks she had been sick from the meds and the pain. She slept for three more hours this afternoon. She is still in pain but definitely looks better. She probably will be awake for a lot longer this morning because of all the sleep she got.

Well I better get some sleep before I mess up my day…

Hey all it is now after 6 and I am home from another wonderful day. I got up did some more laundry and wrote a letter to a pen pal. I showered and dressed and got ready for bingo.

Virge was there and I got some coffee. I told her I would not be at Bingo next week because of the concert and other activities I need to be at. I will have to call Natalie tomorrow.

Bingo went very well. We started on time and finished on time. I made it to church pretty much on time but i was anxious because at that point I still could not find my id holder and I couldn't remember if I had my cc's with it or not. I also took a look at my gas gage and it was not making me any less anxious. I came home after church and get some stuff.

That's when Mom told me she needed my help. She took a shower and now wanted me to fix her dressing on her incision. . I had to go to the pharmacy and get more gauze and fixed it where she would be comfortable. After that was done I headed to Costco

The entire time I was getting anxious afraid that I would run out of gas before getting there. I then had to deal with the long lines! They moved along okay but I spent nearly 45 dollars for gas. It was nearly 1:30 when i got to the party.

There were a lot of people there including my neighbors and I actually talked with a former chief of police at my friends house today and they said it sounds like a crank call. Usually there would be some beeping noise and there wasn't. He also said that usually they would come to the house.

Happily just before talking to the former Police chief my friends said my wallet was in their dining room. :). I thanked them and I was jovially read the riot act for forgetting it at their house.

For the next several hours there were some games that I attemped and failed. I helped serve some of the food, ate lots of stuff, and enjoyed the company of many people including Barbara G. It was great to see her.

I left the party around 5 and came home and found mom at the computer. She was busy working and looking good. We talked and then I got into the bathtub and got changed into pajamas (shorts and top).

I checked my emails and found a IM from Emily. I quickly sent off an email and told MOm about it. She says that Liz will be having emily for a week some time soon. She was amazed and concerned that Claudia is bringing her up.

I also got a responses to this entry that I used as share an entry on my journal writing list. I don't know if they saw my response that I have added to this entry.

I got a response from Emily a little bit ago. But I don't see her on right now. I hope to chat with her before she goes to bed and I fall asleep.

Well I better go and pay the bills I have been putting off htis weekend. I will see you all tomorrow.